Fairfax Water8570 Executive Park AvenueFairfax, VA 22031

Questions and Answers about Leadin Drinking Water

What is the EPA standard for lead in drinking water?

EPA has established an action level for lead in water of 15 parts per billion. When lead testing is performed as required by the EPA, 90 percent of the samples must contain less than 15 parts per billion. This is usually referred to as the 90th percentile results being less than 15 parts per billion. The action level was not designed to measure health risks from water represented by individual samples. Rather, it is a statistical trigger value that, if exceeded, may require more treatment, public education, and possibly lead service-line replacement where such lines exist.

Fairfax Water has been testing for lead in accordance with this rule since 1992 and has consistently tested below the action level established in the Lead and Copper Rule.

In 2007, the 90th percentile value for lead was .96 parts per billion compared to the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion.

www.fairfaxwater.org

2008water2008Quality

Annual Report on

Why does mywater sometimeshave a chlorine taste and odor?

During the months of April, May, and June, you may notice the taste and odor of chlorine in your water. That is because, during this time, we use free chlorine instead of the less noticeable combined chlorine (chloramines). Free chlorine provides the best method of disinfection during the water-main flushing done each spring to maintain a high level of water quality. Keeping an open container of drinking water in the refrigerator allows the chlorine to dissipate, which usually improves the taste of the water. Remember - drinking water has a shelf life. Change out the water in your refrigerated container weekly.

8570 Executive Park AvenueFairfax, Virginia 22031(703) 698-5600, TTY 711www.fairfaxwater.org

Annual Reporton Water QualityJune 2008

Important Information from EPA About…

Drinking Water and People with Weakened Immune Systems

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health-care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791, TTY 711).

Sources of Drinking Water

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include: (1) Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. (2) Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. (3) Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. (4) Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems. (5) Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Contaminants

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline(800-426-4791, TTY 711).

What’s the source of my water?

Fairfax Water draws surface water from two primary sources: the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir, which is fed by the Occoquan River.* Our treatment facilities are located at opposite ends of Fairfax County and feed an interconnected distribution system. The James J. Corbalis, Jr. Treatment Plant, located at the northern tip of our service area, draws water from the Potomac River. The Occoquan Reservoir, on the southern border of Fairfax County, supplies the Frederick P. Griffith, Jr. Treatment Plant.

*In 2007, Fairfax Water purchased small quantities of water from neighboring utilities. These purchases totaled only 0.1% of Fairfax Water’s total water sold in 2007.

Where does lead in drinking water come from?

Although some utility source waters contain lead, Fairfax Water’s sources do not. In 1986, lead was banned from being used in pipe and solder. In older homes where lead is present in pipe and solder connections, it may dissolve into the water after the water sits for long periods of time. We add a corrosion inhibitor to slow this dissolution process.

What can I do in my home to reduce my exposure to lead in the drinking water?

• The simplest and most cost-effective solution is flushing your faucet. If the home water supply has been idle for six hours or more, the EPA advises flushing the faucet until the water becomes as cold as it will get, which can take from 30 seconds to two minutes. Cook only with cold water.

• Some people choose to install a filter in their home. If you choose to use a water filter, follow these three rules:

1. Choose one designed for the specific filtration desired (e.g., chlorine, lead, Cryptosporidium, etc.);

2. Make sure the filter is approved by the National Sanitation Foundation(www.nsf.org); and,

3. Maintain the filter as directed.

Can I have the water in my house tested?

Yes. For information on having a lead level test conducted, call our Customer Service Department at (703) 698-5800, TTY 711. The charge for lead level testing of your home’s water is $35.00 per faucet. Additional information is available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline(800-426-4791, TTY 711).

Annual Report on Water Quality 7

Fairfax Water’s goal is to provide a reliable, high quality and dependable supply of drinking water to nearly 1.5 million friends, neighbors, and family members in Northern Virginia who drink our water.We don’t need any other reason to demand the highest in water quality standards and service!

This Annual Report on Water Quality was produced to inform you about the quality of your drinking water. We want to thank you for taking the time to read through the information. The information in this report represents data collected and reported in 2007.

The quality of your drinking water must meet stringent state and federal requirements developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered by the Virginia Department of Health. Fairfax Water tests the treated drinking water for more than 120 constituents. The regulated contaminants that were detected are listed on the charts at the center of this report. All of those listed are well below EPA’s maximum contaminant levels.

This report was prepared under the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. While we know our customers appreciate receiving this information, cost is always a concern. This report was designed, printed, and distributed for about 13 cents per copy.

To learn more about Fairfax Water and view additional water-quality information, please visit our Web site at www.fairfaxwater.org/water/index.htm.If you have questions regarding this report, please call us at (703) 698-5800, TTY 711.

LEGEND

RETAIL AREA OF SERVICE ................

WHOLESALE AREA OF SERVICE .......

Fairfax Water Areas of Service

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Opportunities for Public Participation

Fairfax Water’s Board of Directors normally meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room of its offices at 8570 Executive Park Avenue, Fairfax, Virginia. Notices of public hearings and other opportunities for public participation are posted in the lobby and on the Web site at www.fairfaxwater.org. Need more information or additional copies of this report? Contact Fairfax Water’s Customer Service Department at (703) 698-5800, TTY 711.

Water Quality and Treatment

Fairfax Water’s goal is to continue to deliver to our customers the highest level of water quality possible. To reach this goal, Fairfax Water promotes the use of the best available technologies and practices in treating drinking water. Water treatment is the process of cleaning water to make it safe for human consumption. When untreated water enters the treatment plant, coagulants are added to make small particles adhere to one another, become heavy, and settle in a sedimentation basin. Ozone is used to reduce odors and organic material.

The water is then filtered to remove remaining fine particles and is disinfected with chlorine to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. A corrosion inhibitor is added to help prevent lead leaching from older household plumbing. Fluoride is added to protect teeth. If odors or unpleasant tastes are present in raw or finished waters, powdered activated carbon and potassium permanganate are added to the treatment process.

Emerging Water Quality Issues

Fairfax Water’s primary objective is the protection of public health through the delivery of high-quality drinking water. While we understand that pharmaceuticals are an issue of interest, to date research has not demonstrated an impact on human health from pharmaceutical compounds at the trace levels discovered in drinking water. Our utility conducts almost 50,000 analyses every year for more than 120 contaminates at 300 sampling locations to ensure the water we provide meets or surpasses Safe Drinking Water Act standards, which were created to protect customers.

To date, there are no approved methods for detecting personal care products and pharmaceuticals in drinking water because they appear in such minute quantities. Unfortunately, there is no “blanket” water test for pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Fairfax Water has been actively working with leading researchers to develop an appropriate testing protocol for detection of very low levels for a variety of these compounds. We are currently developing a testing plan for our source and treated waters. We will continue to work closely with others in the drinking water community to advance the science and understanding of this issue, and will take the steps necessary to continue providing high-quality drinking water.

In addition to research and testing, Fairfax Water also employs one of the most advanced water treatment technologies, ozonation. Research has shown that using the combination of ozone and granular activated carbon, which Fairfax Water uses to treat all of the water in its system, is highly effective in removing broad categories of personal care products and pharmaceuticals.

For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.org and click on Water Quality.

Source-Water Assessment and Protection

Under provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act, states are required to develop comprehensive source-water assessment programs that do the following: identify the watersheds that supply public tap water; provide an inventory of contaminants present in the watershed; and assess susceptibility to contamination in the watershed. Source-water assessments for the watersheds were conducted by the Virginia Department of Health. Based on the criteria developed by the state, the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir were determined to be of high susceptibility to contamination. This determination is consistent with the state’s finding of other surface waters (rivers, lakes, streams) throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The completed assessment consists of maps of the evaluated watershed area, an inventory of known land-use activities, and documentation of any known source-water contamination within the last five years. A secure version of the report is available by contacting Fairfax Water or visiting our Web site.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a single-celled organism that lives and reproduces within the intestines of an animal host. During its life cycle, it matures into resistant cells called oocysts that can be shed in feces. The disease caused by Cryptosporidium is called Cryptosporidiosis and is caused by infection with oocysts.

People can be exposed to oocysts from other people, animals, water, swimming pools, fresh food, soils, and any surface that has not been sanitized after exposure to feces. Symptoms range from mild to incapacitating diarrhea, cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and low-grade fever.

Fairfax Water has completed monitoring the Potomac River and Occoquan Reservoir for compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR). The EPA created this rule to provide for increased protection against microbial pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, in public water systems that use surface water sources. Fairfax Water’s monitoring program began in 2004, and involved the collection of two samples from water treatment plant sources each month for a period of two years. Once monitoring for compliance with the LT2ESWTR was complete, Fairfax Water continued to monitor for Cryptosporidium at water treatment plant sources. The data collected in 2007 is summarized below:

Source (Before Treatment)

Average Cryptosporidium

Concentration (oocysts/Liter)

Potomac River 0.018

Occoquan Reservoir 0

Under the LT2ESWTR, the average Cryptosporidium concentration determines if additional treatment measures are needed. A Cryptosporidium concentration of 0.075 oocysts/Liter triggers additional water-treatment measures. As noted in the table, Fairfax Water’s source water Cryptosporidium concentrations are well below this threshold.

Special perchlorate monitoring study

Perchlorate is a naturally occurring as well as a man-made compound. Its presence in drinking-water is currently unregulated and utilities are not required to monitor for it. In 2007, Fairfax Water began voluntarily participating in a non-regulatory perchlorate sampling project for the Potomac River funded by the EPA. The EPA has established a reference dose of 24.5 parts per billion (ppb) for perchlorate. A reference dose is a scientific estimate of a daily exposure level that is not expected to cause adverse health effects in humans. The reference dose will be used in EPA’s ongoing efforts to address perchlorate in drinking-water.

Source and treated water samples collected in 2007 from our Potomac River water filtration plant show trace amounts of perchlorate at levels less than 1 ppb, far below the EPA reference dose level. We consider the occurrence of perchlorate at levels observed in water of our Potomac plant to be insignificant and not a health concern. If you have special health concerns, you may want to get additional information from the EPA at www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/perchlorate/perchlorate.html or contact the EPA’s Safe Drinking-water Hotline at 800-426-4791, TTY 711.

What’s the short answer to “How’s my water quality?”

Excellent! This report contains a lot of information and data. But the short answer is that of the more than 120 contaminants we test for, we found very few in our drinking water. Those found were in negligible amounts that are well below EPA’s maximum contaminant levels. Fairfax Water’s goal is to continue to deliver the highest quality water possible to our customers. Using the best available technologies in treating drinking water, we believe we do just that!

Is it okay to use water from the hot-water tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula?

Hot water generally comes from a hot-water heater that may contain impurities that should not be ingested. Some of these impurities might be metals from household plumbing that are concentrated in the heating process. Additionally, these impurities from household plumbing dissolve more rapidly in hot water, causing the amount of impurities to be higher in hot water.

Can I store drinking water indefinitely?

No. The disinfectant in drinking water will eventually dissipate even if it is stored in a closed container. Some experts believe that water could be stored in a closed container up to six months before needing to be replaced.

How are bacteria that can make people sick kept out of drinking water?

Chemicals called disinfectants are added to drinking water at the treatment plant to inactivate bacteria that may remain in the water after the treatment process. Fairfax Water’s primary disinfectant is chlorine. Chloramines, a stable form of chlorine, are added to the treated drinking water to keep a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system. During the spring months, Fairfax Water performs its annual flushing program. This flushing program is designed to remove residue from the water pipes that deliver water to your home.

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4 Annual Report on Water Quality

Key to ChartsMCLG Maximum Contaminant Level Goal

MCL Maximum Contaminant Level

MRDLG Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal

MRDL Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level

N/A Not Applicable

ND Non-detect

NRL No Regulatory Limit

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit

pCi/L Picocuries per liter

ppb Parts per billion, corresponds to one penny in $10,000,000

ppm Parts per million, corresponds to one penny in $10,000

QRAA Quarterly Running Annual Average

TT Treatment Technique

Total Organic Carbon MCLG N/A

MCL TT (ratio)

Quarterly Running Annual Average4 1.2

Minimum 0.8

Maximum 1.8

Major Source in Drinking Water

Naturally present in the environment

Violation No

Total Organic Carbon has no health effects. However, it provides a medium for the formation of disinfection by-products. These by-products include trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. Compliance with the treatment technique reduces the formation of these disinfection by products.

1 The MCL for the Beta particles is written as 4mrem/year. EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for Beta particles.

2 Results are an average of Lorton/Occoquan 2003, Corbalis 2005, and Griffith 2007 data points

3 Testing performed in 2003 for Corbalis, Lorton, and River Station plants; 2007 for Griffith plant.

4 Quarterly Running Annual Average (QRAA) of the monthly ratio of actual Total Organic Carbon removal versus required Total Organic Carbon removal between source and treated waters. QRAA is to be > 1 to be in compliance.

2007 SUMMARY OF TESTING OF PROCESS WATER

Some Terms Defined

Contaminants in your drinking water are routinely monitored according to federal and state regulations. The tables on these pages show the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2005 (unless otherwise noted). In the tables and elsewhere in this report, you will find many terms and abbreviations with which you might not be familiar. The following definitions are provided to help you better understand these terms:

Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers a treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal or MCLG: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Contaminant Level or MCL: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Total Trihalomethanes: A group of organic chemicals that are formed in the water-treatment process by the reaction of the disinfectant chlorine with natural organic matter in the source water. Compliance is based on a running annual average.

Total Coliform: A bacteria that indicates other potentially harmful bacteria may be present.

90th Percentile: Represents the highest value found out of 90 percent of the samples taken in a representative group. If the 90th percentile is greater than the action level, it will trigger a treatment or other requirement that a water system must follow.

Turbidity: A measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity is measured in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person. Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth.

Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Turbidity (NTU)MCLG TT

MCL TT

Average Annual Turbidity 0.05

Highest Single Measurement 0.37

Lowest Monthly % of Samples Meeting Treatment Technique Turbidity Limit

99.9996%

Major Source in Drinking Water Soil runoff

Violation No

Turbidity levels are measured during the treatment process after the water has been filtered, but before disinfection. The turbidity level of filtered water shall be less than or equal to 0.3 NTU in at least 95% of the measurements taken each month, and shall at no time exceed 1 NTU.

Annual Report on Water Quality 5

Microbial Results MCLG MCL FW result Major Source in Drinking Water Violation

Total Coliform Bacteria 0 Presence not to exceed 5% of monthly samples 0% Naturally present in the environment No

Fecal Coliform Bacteria 0A routine sample and repeat sample are Total Coliform positive, and one is also Fecal Coliform or E. coli positive.

0% Human and animal fecal wastes No

2007 SUMMARY OF FINISHED WATER CHARACTERISTICS

Components MCLG MCL Average Minimum Maximum Violation Major Source in Drinking Water

Chloroform (ppb) NRL NRL 14.4 2.3 30.5 No By-product of drinking water disinfection

Bromodichloromethane (ppb) NRL NRL 6.9 1.5 11.0 No By-product of drinking water disinfection

Chlorodibromomethane (ppb) NRL NRL 3.0 1.0 3.8 No By-product of drinking water disinfection

Barium (ppm) 2 2 0.028 <0.025 0.045 NoDischarge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion from natural deposits

Fluoride (ppm) 4 4 0.9 0.6 1.2 NoWater additive that promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Nitrate [as Nitrogen] (ppm) 10 10 0.8 0.2 1.9 NoRunoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanksor sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Nitrite [as Nitrogen] (ppm) 1 1 ND ND 0.02 NoRunoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanksor sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Beta/photon emitters1(pCi/L) 2 0 50 3.5 ND 4.9 No Decay of natural and man-made deposits

Alpha Emitters (pCi/L)3 0 15 0.6 0.2 1.4 No Erosion of natural deposits

Radium 2283 (pCi/L) 0 5 0.6 0.2 1.2 No Erosion of natural deposits

removal between source and treated waters. removal between source and treated waters.

Metals

Action Level

FCWA 90th Percentile

Number of Sites Above Action Level Violation Major Source in Drinking Water

Copper 1.3 ppm 0.055 0 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Lead 15 ppb 0.96 0 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Total Trihalomethanes (ppb)Quarterly Running Annual Average

Highest Quarterly System Running Annual Average

System Range Violation

Major Source in Drinking WaterMCLG MCL

0 80 19 3 - 30 NoBy-product of drinking water disinfection

Haloacetic acids (5) (ppb)Quarterly Running Annual Average

Highest Quarterly System Running Annual Average

System Range Violation

Major Source in Drinking WaterMCLG MCL

0 60 16 5 - 36 NoBy-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Chlorine (ppm)

MRDLG MRDLHighest Quarterly Average

Minimum Maximum Violation Major Source in Drinking Water

4 4 3.3 0.8 4.7 No Water additive used to control microbes

2007 SUMMARY OF DISTRIBUTION WATER QUALITY